VNA reported that at 1:30 p.m. on November 16 local time (ie 5:30 p.m. on the same day, Vietnam time), the plane carrying Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his wife and the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation arrived at Kuwait International Airport, starting an official visit to the Middle Eastern country from November 16 to 18 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikhman Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al Sabah.
Welcoming Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife and the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation at Kuwait International Airport, on the host country's side, there were member of the Kuwait Royal Family, advisor to Kuwait Prime Minister Basel Humood AL Sabah; Minister in charge of social affairs, labor, family and youth Amthal Al Huwaila; and Kuwait Ambassador to Vietnam Yousef Ashour Al-Sabbagh.
On the Vietnamese side were Vietnamese Ambassador to Kuwait Nguyen Duc Thang; officials and staff of the Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Kuwait.
Kuwait is the first stop on Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's working trip to 3 countries, including Algeria and South Africa.
This is a visit by a Vietnamese Prime Minister to Kuwait after 16 years, aiming at activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year (January 10, 1976 - January 10, 2026).
After nearly 50 years of establishment, the Vietnam - Kuwait relationship has developed well. The two countries maintain high-level visits and contacts, as well as bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Kuwait is currently Vietnam's largest trading and investment partner among the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Two-way trade turnover last year reached 7.3 billion USD. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) is joining Japan in the Nghi Son Refining and Petrochemical Complex (NSRP) project with a total investment of 9 billion USD and a commitment to provide long-term crude oil.
The two countries also maintain other areas of cooperation. Currently, there are a number of local cooperation connection agreements between the two countries such as between Ho Chi Minh City and Ahmadi province; between Thanh Hoa province and Al Farwaniyh province. In addition, the two countries also cooperate and support each other at multilateral forums.
During this visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is expected to hold talks and meetings with the King, Prime Minister and Crown Prince of Kuwait; visit the host country's socio-economic institutions; work with major economic corporations of Kuwait and give a policy speech at the Kuwait Diplomatic Academy.
The two sides will also discuss, agree on directions, measures and determine a more extensive cooperation framework in the coming time; promote bilateral relations and bring the relationship to new heights.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Kuwait affirms Vietnam's determination in implementing the foreign strategy for the Middle East, realizing Resolution 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new situation.
